2015 Priorities and Goals
In my last post, I talked about New Year’s Resolution bashing and the fact that I think goal setting for the year is a really important practice. Now, I thought this week I would share some of my goals for 2015, to help me keep my word on them.
I used Nicole Antoinette’s “Screw Your New Year’s Resolutions” Template from Life Less Bullshit to take a look back on 2014, identify what went well and what didn’t. Then she walks you through the process of identifying your “life buckets” or priorities and then breaking them down into goals and things to let go of.
Here’s what I came up with:
- Family
- Friendships
- Career
- Health
- Writing
These are the five buckets of things that I care about most and that I need to work on most. Once these were identified I wrote down all of my goals and aspirations for these areas, but picked just ONE to focus on for the year.
1. Family — Have date nights with Chris at least once a month
Rationale: Since Chris and I have been living together, we literally spend every day together. But I got to thinking about how often we’re actually “present” with each other — and it wasn’t very often. Now that we’re engaged and planning a wedding, I think this is the perfect time to institute a “date night” tradition that we can carry on into marriage. I created a “Jar O’ Dates” of ideas for staying in, going out and even a few outdoor activities to keep things interesting. Once a month (or more!) Chris can pick a card out of the jar to help us plan a date. This was really fun to make and it doubled as a Christmas gift. I like doing new things together, but it’s hard for us to plan things in advance, so my goal is to spend more time together and experience new things together.
2. Friendships — Make plans with friends at least once a month
I had a hard time when we first moved to New Jersey, because all of our friends were still in Pennsylvania. I found it was really difficult to make adult friends. We joined flag football and make a great group of people who have introduced us to other people and so on. I’ve also started hanging out with some girls from work and alumni from my graduate program. However, I still get bent out of shape occasionally that I don’t have really “good” friends here. I don’t have girlfriend that I can call and cry to, or a go to friend to invite over to watch a chick flick and drink wine. But what I’m starting to realize is that I don’t need to have that here. I have my best friend Brittany, no matter how far apart we are. We stay in touch and talk almost every day, and we have never let distance be a problem. So, that was something I decided to let go of and move on from. I don’t need a best friend in New Jersey, mine just happens to live in Pennsylvania, and that’s fine. What I DO need, is friends to go out and spend time with. In the past I always waited for others to reach out to me. But now, instead of sitting on the couch on Friday night complaining that there’s nothing to do and “We’re so lame, Chris!” I’m going to force myself to make plans with friends at least once a month. I worry about seeming desperate or looking “uncool” — but when I actually write that down I see how silly it sounds. I know that I have to put myself out there in order to build friendships.
3. Career — Sit at the Table
I’m currently in my first job after four years of college and 2 years of graduate school, and to say it’s been a “rough” transition would be an understatement. I’m having a hard time understanding my role and I’ve often caught myself feeling undeserving or unqualified for the position I am in. So, to take the advice of Sheryl Sandberg, in 2015 I’m going to sit at the table. I’m going to act confident and stop underestimating my skills. I’m going to ask for what I want and make bold decisions. If I don’t believe in myself, who else will?
4. Health — Figure out my own plan
A few years ago I started weight watchers, and that was a great method for learning how to cook and eat healthy while living on my own. I lost about 20 pounds, and Chris lost even more (without trying of course. Men!) But I wasn’t sure how to stop counting points and stay healthy for the long term. I tried a sugar detox, which was informative, but it confused me as to what foods I should be eating vs. not eating or in moderation, etc. I had a period of eating “whatever the hell I want,” and now I’m ready to get back to a healthy lifestyle — within reason. For a while, I was terrified to cancel weight watchers. Although i hadn’t used it in over a year, I continued to pay for the subscription because I thought in some delusional way that if I cancelled the account I’d magically swell up like a balloon. I cancelled, and so far, no immediate weight gain 😉 But my goal now is to take what I’ve learned from all of my different diets, health challenges and research and combine them into a sustainable, reasonable plan that works for me. I’ve learned a lot about myself on my journey and I think I know enough now to maintain a healthy weight without always dieting or giving up all the foods I love.
5. Writing — Write SOMETHING once a week
And last but not least, I’m working on goal number 5 as I type. Writing is my passion and I hope to write a book someday. So this goal is pretty simple. Practice makes perfect and to be a writer, I have to WRITE! Scheduling weekly writing time, without the pressure to share, has been a really helpful exercise for me, so in 2015 I am continuing with that weekly writing session and making it easier not to make excuses by printing a whole list of prompts. This way writer’s block can’t deter me from my laptop. And there’s no pressure to post a blog or write in perfect format, Writing Wednesdays (as I’m calling it) are all about practicing my free flow writing and getting things out. Writing, I’ve found, also helps me clear my head. I often start a post with a problem and when I get to the end of it, I’ve figured out a solution.
These are my goals for 2015, and I’m confident that because I’ve identified my priorities that these resolutions are within reach. Happy New Year!
